Successful Factory Acceptance Test for The Switch EBL

The Switch Norway, part of Yaskawa Corporation's Yaskawa
Environmental Energy Division, reports it has completed a Factory
Acceptance Test (FAT) for its Electronic Bus Link breaker (EBL).
It is the first time the new EBL, a key element within its
DC-Hub, has undergone a FAT.

The procedure was conducted in Trondheim under the supervision of
class society DNV-GL and the undisclosed end customers. There
were no issues recorded with the first three EBL units to undergo
stringent testing, with a further three to undertake the same
process prior to delivery on an advanced offshore vessel.

"We only received the original order in September last year, so
it's been a tight turnaround," said Asbjørn Halsebakke, General
Manager, The Switch Norway. "However, our dedicated development
team in Trondheim worked in close cooperation with The Switch's
sourcing department in Finland, and assembly and engineering in
Stord, to pull out all the stops and deliver a product that is
tailored to the specific vessel's needs. It's been a real team
effort and we, and more importantly the customer, are delighted
with the end product.

"The next step will see full load testing onboard the vessel with
the EBL working to enable our simple, reliable, robust and very
cost-effective DC-Hub solution. We see this as the future of
sustainable maritime operations, so it's very satisfying to
observe the products making headway in the market."

The DC-Hub optimizes operational performance and environmental
standards by allowing vessel generators to run at optimal
efficiency, with batteries taking the strain of any necessary
load changes, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption. The
batteries can also be used as stand-by power sources, lowering
maintenance costs and energy consumption, while any potential
power source - such as wind generators, fuel cells or solar
panels - can be easily connected to the DC grid. This effectively
future-proofs vessels.

"The EBL is a crucial part of the DC-Hub. It is paramount the EBL
performs to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and
reliability," Halsebakke explained. "It works to connect the
vessel's DC-Hubs and diesel engines, and ensures efficient
ongoing operations, even if a critical fault occurs. We believe
it marks a step forwards for an industry that is increasing its
focus on utilizing and producing environmental energy in the most
sustainable manner."